Kings and Pacers Eye Trade: Keon Ellis for Jarace Walker
As the NBA trade market heats up, the Sacramento Kings find themselves at the center of intriguing discussions. Recent reports indicate that the Indiana Pacers have expressed interest in Kings guard Keon Ellis. Given the buzz surrounding Ellis, this interest should come as no surprise. Multiple sources have highlighted his growing appeal across the league.
Valuable Asset in Keon Ellis
Despite uncertainties regarding Ellis’s contract and his role within the Kings’ rotation, it’s clear that both the front office and coaching staff regard him as a key asset. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he has established himself as a capable player. The crux of the latest report centers on a potential trade involving Ellis and Pacers forward Jarace Walker. Although it remains unclear which team initiated discussions about a swap, the mere mention of Walker adds an intriguing twist to the potential deal.
Who is Jarace Walker?
For those unfamiliar with Walker, he was selected as the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-7 forward from Houston has faced challenges in securing consistent playing time within the Pacers’ lineup, particularly with the presence of established talent like All-Star Pascal Siakam. Obi Toppin has been a significant factor in limiting Walker’s minutes, as he has taken on the majority of reserve forward and small-ball big roles.
Interestingly, the Pacers acquired Toppin from the New York Knicks under circumstances reminiscent of a possible Kings acquisition of Walker. Toppin, who struggled for playing time during his first three seasons, was traded to Indiana for a relatively modest return. The Pacers capitalized on this opportunity, developing Toppin over the past year and ultimately signing him as a restricted free agent, allowing him to thrive in a role that aligns with the team’s vision.
The “Second Draft” Approach
This strategy reflects a broader philosophy that could serve the Kings well as they contemplate their own rebuild. Scott Perry and the Kings’ front office may want to consider similar low-cost, long-term acquisitions as they look to strengthen their roster. Targeting former high draft picks who have yet to realize their potential—often due to limited opportunities on competitive teams—can be a valuable approach to building a sustainable winner.
Walker’s Current Performance
As for Walker, he is currently averaging 9.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, with shooting splits of 35% from the field, 31.4% from three-point range, and 81.7% from the free-throw line. His three-point shooting percentage has dipped as his volume has increased, but there’s hope that he can find a more consistent rhythm.
With a significant uptick in playing time—averaging 25.6 minutes per game this season compared to just 10.3 and 15.8 in his first two years—Walker is poised to showcase his talent further. This is particularly important for the Pacers, who are navigating a transitional year and missing key players, including franchise cornerstone Tyrese Haliburton.
As the situation unfolds, the potential trade between the Kings and Pacers could reshape both teams’ futures, making this a storyline to watch as we move deeper into the season.
